Nordic walking was developed in Finland
in the 1930s as summer training for cross-country skiers. It is hugely popular
in Europe and, over the last 10 years, has taken off in the UK. Nordic walking
uses special lightweight poles to increase effort and is a low-impact,
full-body workout that is gentle on the joints. Although you will work harder
and burn more calories than walking alone, the perceived exertion is about the
same. This course is suitable for any age and fitness as long as you are able
to walk around four miles at a reasonable pace. The course is open to both
complete beginners and those that have tried Nordic walking before. You will
work on learning and improving technique as well as discovering some lovely
trails on the Marlborough Downs and in the surrounding countryside.
A
course designed for both the complete beginner to learn Nordic Walking and for
those who have tried Nordic walking before but would like to refresh and
improve their technique. Nordic walking poles are provided on this course
suitable to your body shape, height and fitness levels.
Over
the week you will learn how to handle the poles and use them correctly. We will
start with the basic techniques of Nordic Walking on the college grounds on the
first day. Those who are already able to
Nordic walk will undertake a short refresher session and then a walk with our
walk leader.
Over
the week we will take walks in the surrounding countryside practicing with the
poles and learning to use them on more varied and hilly terrain. We will use
drills and fun exercises to demonstrate techniques. Each day will build on the
previous day and working up to longer walks towards the end of the week. We
will enjoy walks in Marlborough Downs, Pewsey Vale, Kennet & Avon Canal and
the historical areas around Avebury.
We
will also spend time honing your Nordic Walking techniques to ensure you get
the most out of your walks. This will include faster, more efficient walking
and hill techniques and will always include a full warm up and cool down and
stretch at the end of the session.
Pre-requisites
for the course
You
will be expected to walk at a reasonable pace, working up to between 4-5 miles
towards the end of the week. Although
Nordic walking is for everyone, it is preferable that you are able to walk a
few miles at a decent pace, so that the enjoyment of the group remains together
although faster walkers are able to do loop-backs and extra drills to keep
their pace up.
Poles
will be provided by the instructor suitable to your body shape, height &
ability. You may bring your own poles but if the instructor deems that they are
not suitable you may be asked to use their poles instead.
Please
make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear for walking in the open
countryside. Walking shoes or sturdy trainers (please avoid very stiff leather
walking boots as you are unable to fully flex your foot when walking), trousers
or shorts and several layers to enable you to add or take away depending on the
weather conditions. Walkers should also bring a small backpack with water, hat,
spare clothing/waterproofs/socks, sunscreen, treatment for blisters and insect
repellent and a small snack. It is much better to carry spare clothing in your
backpack than tie round your waist, which can interfere with the poles.
If
you need any medication (such as inhalers) please make sure you carry this with
you. You will be expected to complete a health questionnaire to ensure you are
suitable to walk.
Ashley Sandy
NWUK Delivery Partner, L2 Fitness Instructor
About Ashley
Ashley
Sandy has been Nordic Walking for many years after learning the techniques when
living in Switzerland. She has always liked to keep fit and healthy and enjoys
exploring lots of walks in the Marlborough area. Keen to share her passion for
Nordic Walking with as many as possible, Ashley qualified as a fitness
instructor and to teach Nordic Walking in early 2015 and has been teaching and
leading groups in the Marlborough area since then.
